Oregon State Police, Oregon
End of Watch Wednesday, September 22, 1948
Earl A. Burtch
Sergeant Earl Burtch was killed in an airplane crash when the Bellanca monoplane he was piloting struck a mountain near Coffee Creek in Douglas County.
He was returning to Medford after making a trip to Roseburg to install and repair several radios for the Oregon State Police. During his return trip he encountered clouds that closed in on him. One of the wings of his plane struck a mountain, causing it to break off. The plane nosedived into a pasture near Coffee Creek, killing him on impact.
Sergeant Burtch had served with the Oregon State Police for 16 months. He was survived by his wife and 5-year-old son.
Bio
- Age 29
- Tour 1 year, 4 months
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Aircraft accident
Most Recent Reflection
View all 2 ReflectionsSgt. Burtch,
On today, the 67th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Oregon.
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
September 22, 2015
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